Buccaneers Keep Colts Down, 17-3

The Indianapolis Colts put the finishing touches on the worst record in the NFL Sunday with a 17-3 loss to the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Colts, who ended the season 1-15, and the Buccaneers, who finished 3-13, combined for seven turnovers before 28,043 at Tampa Stadium.

The Buccaneers scored on a 29-yard pass play from Vinny Testaverde to Mark Carrier, a nine-yard run by Lawrence Dawsey and a 28-yard field goal by Steve Christie.

“As far as I know now, I’ll be back next year. But anything can happen in the next six months,” said Testaverde, who completed 15 of 31 passes for 168 yards as the Buccaneers ended a five-game losing streak. “I’d like to see this team stick together. What’s hurt us in the last five years is tearing the team apart and putting it back together.”

Jeff George completed 20 of 37 passes for 203 yards for the Colts, who already were assured of the top selection in next year’s draft, but could have strengthened their draft options by beating Tampa Bay.

The Colts have the Buccaneers’ No. 1 pick in 1992 because of last year’s Chris Chandler trade and would have earned the right to pick first and second with a victory. Now, the extra pick will be as low as No. 3.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the futures of Tampa Bay Coach Richard Williamson and Indianapolis Coach Rick Venturi.

The Buccaneers fired Ray Perkins last December and are 4-15 under Williamson.

Venturi, 1-10 since replacing Ron Meyer after the Colts’ fifth game, ended the season with a six-game losing streak.